In the city center… Citizens say, "Please spray pesticides."

Recently, the red fly, commonly known as the 'love bug,' has been appearing in large numbers throughout urban areas, increasing citizens' discomfort and complaints.

Particularly, as videos of love bug carcasses covering the area around Incheon’s Gyeyang Mountain spread online, there have been calls such as, "Is it true that there are no natural enemies?" and "Please spray pesticides."

'Acidic body fluid' deters predators

According to experts, adult love bugs are currently known to have no significant natural enemies. This is attributed to the acidic substances secreted within the love bug's body.

Carol Wyatt Evans, a researcher at the University of Florida's School of Environmental Sciences in Sarasota, explained, "Love bugs are avoided by predators such as birds, frogs, and insects due to their acidic taste."

The environmental group Environmental Literacy Council also noted, "Love bugs have a strong sour taste and tough exoskeleton, making them undesirable for amphibians," pointing out that "biological control is limited."

However, it is known that the larvae serve as food for birds, spiders, and other insects.

Concerns over vehicle paint damage… "Wash off immediately with warm water"

Although love bugs do not bite or transmit diseases, they are not classified as pests, but their mass appearance can cause serious annoyance.

It is particularly dangerous to leave cars with love bugs stuck to them. If the attached love bugs die and their carcasses remain on the vehicle, the acidic body fluid can damage the paint.

Experts advise, "Cars with love bugs should be washed off quickly with warm water to prevent surface damage." Additionally, love bugs are vulnerable to sunlight and tend to naturally decrease within 1-2 weeks after their appearance. Spraying water is said to be temporarily effective for repelling them.

Image source: Love Bug / News1